摘要
灰雕,又名堆灰,亦称灰塑、灰批,它是从砖雕和泥塑两种技艺派生出来的一种室外传统建筑装饰艺术,具有浮雕的艺术效果。它在唐朝就已经存在,以明清两代最盛行。宁波灰雕,是灰雕大类中的一种,属浙东民间手工艺之一,它常常与祠堂、庙宇、寺观、官宅（大房子）、园林、楼阁等砖瓦建筑相结合,采用沿海特产——蜊灰按比例配上骨膏、明矾等原料调成黏性很大,干后很硬的灰泥,然后在设计好的鱼、龙、花、鸟、人物的木头框架上进行雕塑（以浮雕为主）的艺术。
The plaster carving is derived from two traditional handicrafts,namely brick carving and mud carving. It resembles the relief in the sense of artistic effects. Originates in the Tang Dynasty(7th-9th century), it prospered in the Ming and Qing Dynasties(14th-19th century).The Ningbo plaster carving often combines with architecture in halls, temples, mansions, gardens and pavilions. The plaster is made from a sticky mixture of clam ash, bone paste and alums which is hardened by drying and consolidated by wooden frames. The carving follows various patterns including fish, dragons, flowers, birds and people, and is applied to traditional buildings on their walls, roofs, doors and windows.They are widely preferred not only for strengthening and decorating the buildings, but also for improving their ventilation, lighting and security and containing propitious messages.
